Rail passengers set for fare hikes

Back

As drivers adapt their motoring habits to the soaring cost of fuel, rail users are being faced with huge fare hikes in the new year.

By setting their price rises for regulated fares - which include season tickets - 1% above the Retail Price Index, train companies are likely to unveil increases of 5.5% come January.

While this is expected to be the benchmark, other fares could be much higher.

Shadow transport secretary Theresa Villiers told the London Evening Standard: "All the signs are that the July inflation figures will mean more rail fare misery for commuters."

Gerry Doherty, general secretary of transport union TSSA, told the paper: "It is a scandal that the rail companies have this trigger which allows them to put up fares every year."

Around 40% of fares are regulated and fall into the RPI plus 1% regime, with train companies limited to how much they can raise prices annually.

Get a car insurance or home insurance quote now.